Intravitreal Injections Lucentis (Ranibizumab) Or Eylea (Aflibercept)

Eye injections Intravitreal Injections Lucentis (Ranibizumab) or Eylea (Aflibercept)

Intravitreal Injections - Lucentis (Ranibizumab) or Eylea (Aflibercept)

You have been offered an intravitreal injection of either Lucentis or Eylea because you have been found to have one of the following:

 Wet Aged Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)

 Diabetic Macula Oedema

 Retinal Vein Occlusion

Intravitreal injection procedure

The vitreous is a jelly-like substance inside the eye, sitting behind the lens and in front of the retina. The treatment involves an injection of a drug into the vitreous using a tiny and thin needle.

On the day of your injection you will have your vision tested and drops will be put into your eye to numb it and dilate the pupil. Following an examination of your eye, more numbing drops will be instilled, as well as antiseptic/antibiotic drops

You will be taken to the treatment room where your eye will be cleaned with iodine solution. A sticky drape may be put over your eye and a speculum will be placed to hold your eyelids open for the injection.

Source: Eye Treatment Centre Reference No: 5989-2 Issue date: 16/4/20 Review date: 16/4/23 Page 1 of 3

More anaesthetic drops will be applied followed by the injection. This should NOT be painful, although you may feel a pushing. You will be unable to see the needle at the time of the injection. After the injection, antibiotic drops will be put in your eye.

The whole procedure will take about ten minutes.

After your injection

The dilating drops that are installed will blur your vision from two to twenty-four hours depending on the type of drop given. If you are unsure about the length of time you will be affected, and therefore unable to drive, please check with the nurse instilling the medication.

Immediately following your injection you may notice a bubble in your vision. This is due to an air bubble and should resolve in a few days. The white of your eye may also be red for a couple of days after your injection and you may see some floaters during the early days after the procedure. Please avoid rubbing the eye or going swimming for the rest of the day. If you wear eye make-up or contact lenses, please avoid for 24 hours. Otherwise you may resume normal activities the same day as the injection.

Risks of intravitreal injections

Infection (endophthalmitis)

This is the most serious side effect. The risk is about 1:1000 per injection according to large scale studies. This can be treated (very promptly) but can still lead to sight loss.

Allergic reactions

There is a very small chance of an allergic reaction. Any severe reaction would require immediate medical treatment and could be life threatening.

Systemic effects

Low levels of Lucentis can reach the blood stream after your injection. There have been no significant adverse effects after a two year follow up. It is theoretically possible that there may be a slight increase in the risk of a stroke or other cardiovascular events.

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Retinal tears / retinal detachment or cataract

These are rare but can be treated by surgical intervention.

Inflammation

This is unusual and rarely severe, but can be treated with eye drops.

Raised intraocular (eye) pressure

This is temporary and normally settles spontaneously.

Floaters

Some people experience floaters for a few days after their injection. This is very common, and normal.

It is not possible to predict in advance if any of these problems could develop but prompt treatment would be given if needed. The drugs are relatively new and other side effects may, as yet, be unknown. It is advised to avoid these drugs if there is any chance of being pregnant or planning pregnancy.

If you should notice increased blurring, pain or redness in the few days after the injection, or have any concerns, please contact the department. The contact numbers are:

Eye Treatment Centre

Telephone 01284 713815

Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm

At the weekends and out of hours, telephone 01284 713000 and ask to speak to the ‘on call’ ophthalmic doctor.

If you would like any information regarding access to the West Suffolk Hospital and its facilities please visit the website for AccessAble (the new name for DisabledGo) https://www.accessable.co.uk/organisations/west-suffolk-nhs-foundation-trust

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